Near the ruins of Oswestry Castle in the English Marches, a historical re-enactment brought to life the events surrounding the Battle of Crogen, a conflict linked to King Henry II’s campaign in 1165. The re-enactment took place recently near Chirk Castle, tracing the route of Henry II’s forces as they advanced against an alliance of Welsh princes seeking control over the borderlands between England and Wales.

While the current Chirk Castle structure was not present during the original conflict, the battle itself occurred in the Ceiriog Valley below. Historical accounts describe how Henry II ordered the clearing of woodland in the valley to remove the tactical advantage held by the Welsh forces. However, he spared one oak tree—later named the Pontfadog oak—under which Welsh leader Owain Gwynedd is said to have gathered his troops. This oak, estimated to have been around 1,600 years old, survived as a significant symbol of Welsh heritage and was known as the National Tree of Wales until it fell during a storm in 2013.

The re-enactment featured participants dressed in the heraldic colors of the Marcher lords and Welsh princes, engaging in staged combat with swords, shields, and archery, supported by a running commentary to provide historical context. Although historians debate the scale and nature of the Battle of Crogen—ranging from interpretations of a major clash to minor skirmishes or even the absence of significant fighting—the outcome is generally acknowledged as a Welsh victory.

Participants and spectators alike noted the ongoing significance of the Marches as a region layered with complex history, marked by centuries of conflict and cultural exchange. The setting for the re-enactment, with its castle ruins and surrounding landscape, highlighted this contested terrain.

In addition to the historical elements, observers noted a striking natural presence amid the activity. Clouded yellow butterflies (Colias croceus), species known for migrating from northern Africa or southern Europe, were seen fluttering over garden areas close to the castle. Their appearance was particularly poignant given recent declines in insect populations across Europe. Also present was the small copper butterfly (Lycaena phlaeas), its vivid wings adding a quiet reminder of the region’s enduring wildlife alongside its storied past.

The event offered an opportunity to reflect on the ways in which history, nature, and cultural memory continue to intersect in the modern-day Marches.